University Entrance Examination

THE EXAMINATION TO GAIN A SUBJECT-SPECIFIC UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION

One way of embarking on a degree course at a university or university of applied science without the Abitur in Lower Saxony is by passing a subject-specific university entrance exam, the fachbezogene Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, after vocational training.

The exam, (also known as the Immaturen- or Z-Prüfung) is taken for a degree programme of your choice, independent of your professional specialisation so far. As a rule, a lengthy period of preparation is necessary; this is offered by a variety of institutions providing adult education. For admission to the exam certain requirements must be met: as a rule, vocational training and subsequently at least two years of relevant professional activity.

The legal requirements for the exam are laid down in a regulation of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education. The authority responsible for the exam is the Niedersächsisches Landesinstitut für schulische Qualitätsentwicklung (NLQ) in Osnabrück. The relevant internet pages provide information on the exam, addresses of preparatory institutions and the application form for admission to the exam.

STRUCTURE OF THE EXAMINATION

The exam is divided into two parts, comprising a general and a specialised (subject-specific) section.

General Section (A-Section)

The general section exams are organised and administered by the preparatory institutions. The exams consist of the following:

Written exams in the subjects German, English and Mathematics or a science subject (Physics, Chemistry or Biology), lasting three hours each,

An oral exam lasting around 30 minutes on the general knowledge and abilities of the candidates with reference to cultural, political, social or economic topics.

Candidates able to produce a Level B2 English certificate according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are exempted from the relevant exam.

The Fachhochschulreife (certificate of aptitude for specific and short-course higher education) is recognised in lieu of the general section; in other words it exempts candidates from the general exams.

Specialised section (B-Section)

The specialised section exams are organised and administered by the university where the candidate intends to study. The subject matter of the specialised section exams derives from the essential basics of the subject chosen, or in the case of a two-subject bachelor’s degree the first subject chosen.

In the specialised section two part exams are to be taken:

As a rule a written paper under supervision (lasting 2 – 5 hours) or a written assignment with oral exam on the assignment, and

an oral exam lasting around 45 minutes.

B-SECTION AT LEIBNIZ UNIVERSITÄT HANNOVER

Candidates wishing to take the specialised section exams at Leibniz Universität must register for their exam at the coordination office in the Centre for Continuing Education (Zentrale Einrichtung für Weiterbildung).

General information on the B-Section exam and the registration form can be found on the relevant internet page.

Student Advisory Services can supply all prospective students with information on general admission requirements, conditions and the courses offered at Leibniz Universität. You can arrange an appointment via the service hotline 0511 762-2020.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE IMMATURENPRÜFUNG

For contacts for the Immaturenprüfung in the Lower Saxony Examination Office and at universities in Lower Saxony see below: